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Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick- ARC review

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:46:00 -0400

Let me start by saying- *this book is 10 stars, out of 5*

If you loved Hush, Hush-- you will *LOVE* Crescendo.

Becca does not disappoint again her tale of Nora, her mysterious past, her even more mysterious future, and Patch's crazy little ways. Here is the brief Amazon description:

The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush!

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

My review:

We find Patch and Nora- dealing with their choices and their future that is so lost in the unknown that even I didn't see the ending coming. Vee is still the best-best friend ever AND a whole new host of characters have shown up to make you salivate, lust after, and twist in pain and confusion. I found myself wanting Nora with someone else in the story (won't give away who) however, I found myself wanting to smack Patch, Nora, Scott, and Vee. :) hahah I don't want to even go any further with that thought, because the fact is- YOU WILL LOVE IT.

Half the time, I wanted to throw this book at the wall. I won't lie. I didn't want to see Nora hurt (or Patch for that matter) and I found myself crying for these characters that are written so well, that you get attached to them and want the best for them.

I will say, there are thousands of questions left unanswered and that are (currently) killing me. Becca, please come out with the third- quickly- please. :)

You must pick up this book! It will be available 10/19/10. However, you can preorder your copy on Amazon and BN.com.

Much Love everyone-

Jordan~

The Crossroads Tour Oct 17 thru Oct 31

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:13:00 -0400

In honor of the spooktacular Halloween Holiday, some of your favorite Paranormal Authors have teamed up to bring you 'The Crossroads Tour'. 15 Authors, 15 spooky days of fun! Please check click here for more information:

http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/

TOUR PREMISE: The pressure is on Eryn as she faces tough decisions. Luckily a rash of paranormal activity within the walls of Redgrave High provide a distraction. Are these harmless pranks or something more sinister? You’ll have to do a bit of research to find out. A new clue will be revealed at each blog stop during the tour. Can Eryn and the crew track who (or what) is causing the mayhem in Redgrave High? Follow the hunt and meet a bevy of dreadfully talented young adult paranormal authors along the way!

Did I mention giveaways? No? Well, we’ll have a wicked cool selection of SWAG and ARCs as prizes!

Here is a list of participating blogs for the Crossroads tour. You’ll want to follow their blogs and Twitter feeds for updates, author appearance dates and ’cause they’re cool!

Crossroads Tour Official Bloggers:

The Here, The Now, The Books

Liyanaland

Ms. B’s Book Swarm

Kid Lit Frenzy

Narratively Speaking

Tales of a Teenage Book Lover

Just Your Typical Book Blog

Late Bloomer Online

YA Addict

Book-Savvy

Book Faery

Book Bound

A Simple Love of Reading

Confessions of a Bookaholic

Please make sure you check out each of the stops for contest information, interviews and more!

Much Love,

Jordan~

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:40:00 -0400

Huge thanks goes out to Heather over at: www.FireandIcephotos.blogspot.com for giving me the chance to review Paranormalcy by Kiersten White.

I give this novel 4 out of 5 Moons:

Here's my review! You can pre-order this book on Amazon now!

This novel sucked me in from the first page and distracted me from the much needed edits to my sequel novel. (Bad, bad writer). I found myself conflicted with the affections of Reth, and (more than once), kept expecting Orlando Bloom (ala Lord of the Rings) to POUNCE on me through a faiery door (I was so disappointed when he didn't!!)

Evie is a "normal" girl, unlike any other. I don't want to give away any spoilers, (I'm so anti-spoilers, but bring me Orlando and we might have a deal). Lend, our fantastically transparent good guy is just a book waiting to be opened. Mystery, intrigue and guesses galore will send you spiraling into this world unlike any other.

I seriously enjoyed the depth of this novel and the heart breaking struggle that faces Evie in the age old battle of good and evil. I love the fact that the lines are so blurred that it's hard to figure out who to cheer for and how the novel keeps you guess all the way to the final five pages.

Bravo to an awesome novel.

I <3 Evie and Tasey. She's Bleeping Fantastic.

You. Must. Pick. Up. This. Novel-- if you are a true Paranormal Fan!

Much love-

Jordan~

Excellent News!

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:26:00 -0400

Just a brief post to share some excellent news with all of you:

HALF MOON'S CONTRACT IS SIGNED! That's right! Half Moon's contract has been signed, sealed, and delivered to the Publisher. And, in return, I have the release date!

**Drum Roll Please**

JANAURY 13, 2011!

That's right! Just 176 days until Half Moon will rise for all to enjoy!

I have added a temporary countdown widget for now, (a better one will be coming soon)

Please spread the word!

Much Love-

Jordan~

Book Review: 13 to Life by Shannon Delany

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:20:00 -0400

Okay everyone, as most of you know, one of my pack members, Shannon Delany, came out with a little book (I'd like to say in honor of my birthday June 22nd), maybe you've heard of it? 13 to Life?

If you haven't heard of it, let me take more than a moment of your time to tell you five ways I think this book rocks.

1) Pietr is HOT.

2) Pietr's brothers.. yeah.. they're hot too.

3) Jess has ugly-duckling syndrome like most of us hot blooded, werewolf-girlfriends-in-waiting, do.

4) It's the start of an excellent SERIES. Yes, no one hit wonder here!

5) Mystery, Mystery and MORE Mystery.

Now, I posted an interview a few weeks ago with Shannon, so I won't repost that information or the book description, but, let me give you a few snippets of my view on this book. The writing is amazing. The story flows well and has several ups and downs that you won't see coming. I have to say, Jess, girl, *YOU PISS ME OFF*.

Now, for those who have not read it, you will understand this all too well by Chapter Ten. However, for those that haven't read it, I won't spoil it for you, but seriously Jess -SARAH? HELLO. Kick her to the curb and tell her she is *not* your friend. (You will understand that comment once you read it!)

Also, the family dynamic with Alexi, Max and Catherine (Pietr's siblings) is confusing and muddled and seriously in depth. I have so many more questions than answers, and if Pietr is all hung up on Jess, Shannon- I will totally take Max off your hands, really, I don't mind. :)

And, if you can't tell already, I give the book 5 out of 5 stars and I seriously can not wait to read the next novel in the series. I <3 Pietr and all of his furry-fun-brooding ways.

Thanks Shannon for such and awesome group of characters and a great story.

You can pick up your copy today at B&N, Amazon and Borders.

Much Love-

Jordan~

Contest Winners

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:13:00 -0400

A huge congrats and thank you goes out to all the winners and entries for my #WerewolfJune month end contest.

Below are a complete list of the winners. Many entrants won a few times. Please make sure you check each section. Winners have until Thursday at Midnight (PST) to email me their a) Address, b) preference if they want bookmarks personalized c) if you won the 'you select it' book- I need to know the name and author of the book of your choice.

My email: Jordan_Deen@Yahoo.com

Thank you again to all that entered. Please spread the word that the winners are up!

8 original signed bookmarks:

Erin

CourtneyRae

TotalBook

Audrey

Anya

Mandy

Jeremy

Cass

15 additional signed bookmarks:

Amy Jacobs

Sandy G

Katie B

Darla G

Skla11377

Marci Turner

Sherry S

Christina Bean

Sharli

CourtneyRae

Alaina

Spav

Koreen

Joyce

TotalBook

1 signed book (personalized if you want)

Audrey Smith

$20 B&N Gift Card

Courtney Rae

1 Large Werewolf T-Shirt

Alana

1 Currently Released book

Spav

Book Blogger Link on Recommended page, blog post about your blog and 2 book marks:

Katie B. (Mundie Moms)

Book Blogger Interview on my web site about why you blog and what your favorite books/authors are:

Heather Gardner (Fire and Ice Photos)

Thank you again to all the entrants!

Another contest in honor of 'Half Moon' coming soon!

Much love-

Jordan~

Werewolf June is almost over!

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:42:00 -0400

As my final, awesome interview in honor of Werewolf June, I bring you, Karen Kincy! Her novel, Other (An Other Novel), is now available on Amazon.com (officially releases 7/1/10): http://www.amazon.com/Other-Novel-Karen-Kincy/dp/0738719196/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277696614&sr=8-1

Here is a brief description:

Feathers unfurl from my skin. My plummet curves into a swoop, and I tuck my talons beneath my body. From girl to great horned owl in about a second. Pretty good, huh?

Gwen Williams is like any other modern teenager with one exception: she's a shapeshifter. Never having known her Pooka-spirit father, Gwen must struggle with the wild, wonderful magic inside of her alone—and in secret. While society may tolerate vampires, centaurs, and "Others" like Gwen, there are plenty of folks in Klikamuks, Washington, who don't care for her kind.

Now there's a new werewolf pack in town, and Others are getting killed, including Gwen's dryad friend. The police are doing zilch. In the midst of terrible loss and danger, Gwen meets a cute Japanese fox spirit who's refreshingly comfortable with his Otherness. Can Gwen find the courage to embrace her true self and find the killer-before she becomes the next victim?

Praise for Other:

"This who-done-it is an unusual blend of mystery and fantasy, starring original characters not often featured in modern urban fantasy for teens. I really enjoyed it."—Annette Curtis Klause, author of Blood and Chocolate

Here is some interesting tidbits about this debut author!

1) What genre (or subgenre) have you not written but are dying to try?

Steampunk! Or cyberpunk, for that matter.

2) Who is your fictional character crush on?

Eric from Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series, admittedly from knowing his True Blood incarnation alone. 6' 4" of blond Viking-turned-vampire sexiness... mmm...

3) Which of the characters in your book would you most like to sit down and have a chat with?

Ooo, tough question. Probably Gwen, because I'd love to know more about what it feels like to shapeshift.

Thank you so much Karen for stopping by and sharing your novel and your secret crush with us! I have to completely agree with you on Eric! He is a guilty pleasure for sure!

Craving more information about Other and Karen?

Please check out her website at: www.KarenKincy.com

much love,

Jordan~

Giveaway!

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:11:00 -0400

***CONTEST HAS CONCLUDED! WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED BY MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY***

In honor of the last five days of #WerewolfJune, I will be giving away five signed bookmarks from my debut novel, 'The Crescent'!

*Check for updates and additions below*

That's right!

Just leave a comment on this post and the winner will be chosen by Random.org (entries end Monday at Midnight PST)-

You get 1 point for leaving a comment, but here are a few ways to get extra points:

+1 joining this site

+1 following on Twitter

+1 friending on Facebook

+1 friending on Myspace

+1 adding 'The Crescent' to your Good Reads

+1 for spreading the word (please include URL in your post)

That's all! You could end up with 7 entries for doing all of the above.

Also, please spread the word, huge giveaway coming soon in honor of 'Half Moon"'s cover release and submission to the Publisher!

Happy Friday all!

** Bonus announcement! For all my wonderful Blogger friends out there! I will link your blog on my 'Recommended' page, will do a blog post about YOUR blog and will include two signed bookmarks for you to giveaway**

***EVEN BIGGER BONUS***

Okay, so, since we are celebrating the final days of #WerewolfJune, I think it's only appropriate to up the stakes here. So, the contest will go until Midnight on June 30th, 2010 (next Wednesday). During the next five days, I will add ADDITIONAL goodies to the giveaway. (No, I won't give clues and No, leaving more than one comment won't get you an additional set of entries***

ADDITIONS:

I figured adding this "additions" area would make it clear to everyone what is up for grabs! I haven't figured out if this will be all one big prize, or if there will be multiple prizes, or things will be grouped together! It's a Crazy Giveaway! I know!

Up so far:

* 5 signed bookmarks (to 5 people) -- this is in addition to the 8 lucky winners I've announced yesterday!

* Book bloggers- One lucky blogger will be chosen (random.org) to link on my "Recommended" page, a blog post about their blog and two signed bookmarks for you to give away. (Make sure in your comment you tell me you are a book blogger so I can include you in this part of it)

* One autographed copy of my debut novel, 'The Crescent' (either for your personal collection, or for bloggers, for you to give away!)

* $20 gift card to B&N!

Today is the *LAST* day to enter! And I'm up'ing the ante!

Here are some new additions to the contest:

I will give away 10 additional signed bookmarks (10 winners)

Book Bloggers- in addition to a mention for one lucky book blogger, ANOTHER book blogger will be chosen to do an interview on *MY* blog about their favorite books and why they love blogging!

1 Size Large Werewolf T-Shirt

1 person will get to choose any currently released book (valued $25 dollars or less) and I will purchase and send you the book!

As an added bonus- if 100 people comment on this post, I will add one large, special gift to the mix! So spread the words!

Potentially, there could be more than 20 winners on the contest!

Happy Last Day of Werewolf June!

Much love-

Jordan~

My Birthday!

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:28:00 -0400

Okay everyone,

Here is my awesome pics of my visit to the LA Zoo- In honor of 'The Crescent' and '13 to Life' by Shannon Delany, I HUNTED down me some wolfy goodness and took some pics:

Teaser Tuesday Posting!

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:28:00 -0400

I know this is coming late, but, here is my Teaser for 'Half Moon' for the week!

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes yesterday! Pics of my adventure to the LA Zoo and my visit with the Maned Wolves coming soon!

Today I'm sharing page 30, just a few paragraphs!

"Lacey, stop," a males voice called out, but I'd already started running. My bag fell to the ground and I stumbled hastily into the woods towards the stream. Brandon didn't love me and it wasn't my fault our bond hadn't strengthened or I hadn't transformed. He would've kissed me if he had any feelings for me.

"Stop. Lacey! Stop!" a woman's voice and heavy thumping of paws against the ground echoed behind me. Emile's boots were one size too big and felt like canoes strapped to my feet as I trampled over the slushy dirt and fallen tree branches. Adrenaline pumped through my veins quicker than humanly possible and my body ached. It couldn't keep up the pace and my heart screamed in retaliation for the strain it was under. My pursuers were used to this... I wasn't. I couldn't do this. My legs cramped, disabiling me as the heavy footsteps closed in. Matt, Thomas, Michael and Lucas surrounded me n wolf form, hesitantly waiting for my next move. Brandon, pushing his body passed its breaking point, barely stopped when he reached me.

"Lacey, I'm sorry." I couldn't catch my breath or fight to get away from his strong arms around me, holding me hostage. "Stop. Shhhh. Just stop," he whispered in my ear; my arms had no affect trying to push him away. Continuing to run would've been futile, but I was embarassed and ashamed. I just wanted to escape.

"You, ummm... you caught me off guard." He let out an uncomfortable laugh and squeezed me against his firm body, completely oblivious to my feet shuffling across the loose dirt, trying to pull away. The pack circled us, like shars around a sinking ship, just waiting for blood to hit the water.

I hope you've enjoyed this little tidbit of 'Half Moon'! I can't wait to share the continuation of Lacey's story with all of you!

Much Love and Happy Werewolf Wednesday!

Jordan~